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Thinking of moving to Nica

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swf62ls
  8/24/2015 17:29 EST

I am a single, female senior - 62 - to b exact, and am wondering if Nica is a safe place for me to retire?

Any thoughts?

iguanalover
  8/24/2015 17:34 EST

We know mucho ladies who fit your description and they seem to be safe. Use common sense and you should be fine.

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Salsera
  8/24/2015 19:48 EST

Common sense does not always help - I have many years of experience in a Third-World country with many armed attacks, but was always safe in my house during 11 years over there.

Here I have been since mid April, and 1 week ago I had an "unexpected visitor" in my house at 3 am, who came via the roof into my patio!

Living alone as a female seems not to be very recommendable - and the nice open patios should be (like now in my house) armed with barbed wire.

Fortunately the guy was not armed!!! But he stole my 2 phones in my bedroom (1 Smartphone for 400 $ and also a digital photo camera) and disconnected my laptop to take it away.
Fortunately I was able to take it away from him and chase him out of the front door.

But: My dog had barked 30 min (I should have listened to him instantly, but the guy on the roof was VERY discrete!
Then I shouted and yelled in 4 languages at the ladrone to leave my house.
And after I had sent him out, I whistled another 15 minutes to call for the securities who are driving around in the barrio at night on their bicycles.

NO REACTION at all - and all neighbours said they did not hear anything... This was the most shocking for me. If he had a machete, he could have killed me - without any reaction of the neighbours.

So please do not propagate all the time that Nicaragua is super-safe and that you just need to take the usual safety measures.

The safety measures I do take now:
I lock my bedroom door at night (it is VERY hot in Leon and I do not have AC), I sleep with a T-shirt and have a shorts (both in military green to be more invisible...) ready with the keys in one pocket.
As soon as I hear the smallest noise or my dog barks more than 5 minutes, I am perpendicular in my bed, put my shorts on, mobile phone with the numbers of security and police stored in the other pocket, a strong LED torch in one hand - and a baseball bat which lies in my bed now in the other hand - and go out in the patio to shine all over the roof.

If I ever have another visitor, I MUST localize him when he is still on the roof. As soon as he succeeds to climb down, I risk my life.
Very probably i will move to some other house - in spite of the NATO wire, because I do not dare to use my laptop anymore after 10pm, I keep it locked away, I am afraid to got out in the evening - and be surprised by someone who is already in the house.

This is definitely NOT what I imagined.

So select your nice colonial patio house very carefully - I think the best is to share a house with 2-3 other people, also males. But it is no guarantee, because as soon as you talk about your (bad) experience, you hear a lot of other (bad) experiences too...

elduendegrande
  8/24/2015 23:41 EST

Lotsa chain and padlocks, serpentina wire, a very sharp machete, a gun, several dogs, and video cameras should round out your common sense.
Valuables belong in safes bolted to concrete.
Look how upscale Nicas live.

Salsera
  8/25/2015 14:58 EST

I was not prepared to live like in Gaza or Somalia...

Better move back to Africa?
Seems more secure...

bluewind
  8/25/2015 15:40 EST

You forgot to mention IED's for your yard and an armed drone hovering over your house. Yeah, that should do it. Now you can rest peacefully in nica.

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swf62ls
  8/25/2015 16:33 EST

Thanks for the story. Scarey.

KeyWestPirate
  8/25/2015 21:29 EST

You need this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/wireless-driveway-alert-system-93068.html


I've used them since I have been down here and have never had an intrusion.

They are currently on special at Harbor Freight for $11.99 each.

They are numerically coded so one alarm can work with two or more sensors.

Carefully placed they will not signal when your dog runs around, but will detect an intruder.

I firmly believe that just having them is sufficient. The Nicas quickly learn that they are there, and tell their friends

The problem that you now have is. after the first successful intrusion, there will probably be additional attempts.

Guards? They are not going to do much, don't get paid enough to take a Machetaza, and may well have set you up.

Alarms that make noise, lights, are your best allies.

KeyWestPirate
  8/25/2015 21:34 EST

And the police? They may get there in a couple of hours. More likely, they will find the guy, take your goods and turn him loose.

The bat is a good idea; anything that might do serious damage to the thief -short of killing him - - - is a good idea.

Salsera
  8/25/2015 21:50 EST

Thanks - good hint! Where can i buy this in Nicaragua? do you know a shop in Managua?

Yes - unfortunately the security and police are not very helpful - the bicycle security is whistling...before they arrive, Maybe to warn the ladrones that they are on their way?

A big problem is that these colonial doors are secured with a heavy wooden bar which has to be taken away and the lock opened...by me, by whom else?

Otherwise, even some helpful people cannot enter the house.
So this means you are like a mouse in a trap.
The only solution is to prevent the guy from climbing down in the patio - either strong lights shining on the roof or an alarm system.
The barbed wire is mounted, but maybe it should be set under voltage.

majicjack
  8/26/2015 07:50 EST

AND ! If you had lived in Houston, Detroit, NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans or Miami That same burglar would have probably raped and murdered you and you would not be writing about how you got robbed.

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KeyWestPirate
  8/26/2015 09:48 EST

True.
The Nicas tend to be less aggressive and more about business: Rob the person and be on my way attitude. For the most part.

Prevention is all important here. Chances of getting your stuff back are slight. Neighbors are not going to get involved. Police and guards are not paid enough to put their lives on the line.

I had one of the alarm sensors I posted about on the inside of my gate when I was in Condega. I left the receiver (alarm part) where they could hear the alarm. The gate was often tried at night, to see if it was locked. Just jostling the gate would set off the alarm. Anyone on the street could hear it too.

I carry a set with me when I travel. They weigh little with rechargeable batteries. Point the sensor towards the hotel door, and turn on the receiver (alarm). If the door is even moved slightly the alarm will sound loudly, scaring off the intruder.

If you're a resident you can have a gun, but I've always felt that -except in an extreme case of self defense- that the downside would be worse than a property loss. If the perp lives, his story is going to be much different and self-serving than yours.

Electric fence: There is a lot of this in Managua and San Juan del Sur. Properly installed it is going to be expensive, and it has to be alarmed to detect a cut in the wire, or something put across the wire to short it out.

Everything helps deter; nothing is 100%. Concertina installed around the edge of the roof , and where the roof opens to your patio, would be cheap and fast.

gfruge
  8/26/2015 12:27 EST

I think it's all about location. Managua would be compared to any large city in the US. Pick a smaller town and you'd do just fine as you would in a smaller town in the US.

You couldn't pay me to live in Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Chicago, etc. Just as you can't pay me to live in Managua.

From the northern towns, Esteli, Jinotega, Matagalpa all seem to be just fine and safe.

KeyWestPirate
  8/26/2015 13:10 EST

Even in a small town you will have to take precautions. Chance of an assault are much less than Managua, true, but your house is still at risk.

It's just not what you are used to. That's why the Nica houses have bars on the windows and doors, and concertina wire on walls and roof edges.

Thieves know that YOU have the goodies that they can sell easily.

Salsera
  8/26/2015 13:21 EST

Thanks for your advice, Key West Pirate! I do not want to have a gun for the same reasons - and if ever the thief gets hold of it, the situation will even be worse. I am not a gunwoman and do not intend to become one.
gfruge: Location - yes, but I am living in Leon, the city considered to be the safest in the country. I hear about a lot of problems in the center of town, my barrio is quiet, but not one of the safest.
It seems better to share a house with some people, but even this is no guarantee.
I will look for an alarm system, but think about changing the house.
My house in Madagascar was "security at the first glance": it was a bit hidden in the bushes. On the left a villa with high walls, 2 big and nasty dogs and a day and a night guard.
Behind the house the very high wall of a gym on the ground of a bank guarded by securities and dogs, in the house to the right of mine lived my landlord with his family.
So - according to Feng Shui - surrounded by protectors!

My house in Leon is a corner house with an open patio in the center. I fell in love with its colonial charm - but spontaneously asked the owner if it was not possible that a thief could access via the roof...

We should always listen to our intuition - the first impression is always the right one!

novato1953
  8/26/2015 13:39 EST

Safe is relative. Of course burglaries happen, and you can do various tricks to secure your residence. Personally, I'm fond of the CCTV security cameras that have menacingly flashing red LED displays but no actual, you know, camera. Since they're hollow, they're cheap. They cost about $10-20US for the ones that rotate back and forth while the light's blinking. Use a lot of them and -- and this is the most important part -- tell no one what you've installed. If you leave the house, meanwhile, don't walk outside while you're drunk, and don't walk in bad neighborhoods any time. Get a cellphone, and remember a trustworthy taxi driver is often a better friend than a cop when the volcano blows. Have you had firearms training?

elduendegrande
  8/26/2015 15:09 EST

Living alone is a bad idea. As far as housing, most upper end housing has a lot of security built in. Nicas don't want to be victims, either, and they know the endemic crime in their country, even in the 'small towns', even the crime so many expats try to deny.

If you rent a room in a house or a house added onto a main house, the neighbors will probably keep an eye out for you. There is a culture of helping strangers and respect for old folks which will work in your favor.

Be very careful who you let in your house. If you live alone and have people working on the house, ask a neighbor to come sit with you and make sure everything is locked up and secure when they are done.

If you don't think your life is worth fighting for, at least don't go broadcasting that round the neighborhood, and slip a good sharp machete under your mattress just in case you change your mind at the last minute.

michaelbrazell
  8/26/2015 18:35 EST

for all who are talking about bars on windows and other places, first time visitors should know nica is not the only country for the bars. most of central America and the Dominican republic use bars, razor wire, alarms, etc.

KeyWestPirate
  8/26/2015 19:49 EST

AND-- a good part of East LA looks like Nicaragua :)

bgirl
  8/29/2015 02:28 EST

Is this thread for real???? I was just thinking of moving there myself ....just started looking into it tonight. possibly Granada or San Juan del Sur ... but I'm a single woman as well, just my 3 dogs. I currently live in Fl. The things you all are talking about sound insane

RickBlaine
  8/29/2015 08:15 EST

I've been following this thread and must say that a lot of comments would scare almost anyone away from moving to Nica.

However let me just add my 2 cents. Nicaragua is not that different than most of Central America, South America or for that matter North America including the United States.

I live in West Palm Beach, Florida and guess what... we have an alarm system in our home. Most of the homes here have alarms and a lot have bars on the windows. The gas station just 3 blocks away is known as a drug hangout yet a few blocks east are some of the largest mansions in the country.

I was born and raised in Detroit and lived there most of my adult life, which is now the worst city in the country to live. Lived in Chicago for 15 years with several of them on the north side which has some of the worst crime stats in Chicago. Both Detroit and Chicago homes are protected with alarm systems, electronic gates, barbed wire, etc. In fact; the first time I saw broken glass cemented into the top of block walls was in Chicago.

I also lived in Costa Rica (San Jose & Santa Ana) for about 4 years. Same things... alarm systems, armed guards, barbed wire, electric gates, etc.

My point is that unless you live on a deserted island there most likely isn't a place on this earth that you will be 100% safe. What you can do is use common sense to diminish the safety risks. Lock your doors, install an alarm system, keep a light on a night (I actually use automated lighting that goes on & off at random times). Look for vulnerabilities that a thief may use to get into your home.

When out and about be aware of your surroundings and people in your proximity. In Costa Rica I could always spot the tourists... cameras, jewelry, backpacks, purses, etc. Years ago I also learned that if you look like you belong most often people will just leave you alone.

Yes, women are more of a target then men. A single woman living alone may not be the best idea however all over the world they do. Being out alone at night may not be the best time to go out... no matter where you live.

From the research I've done you are almost 5 times as likely to be a victim of crime in the US than you are in Costa Rica or Mexico, Nicaragua can't be that different (I couldn't find any crime stats for Nicaragua).

I'm not saying you shouldn't be concerned about crime... being in the wrong place at the wrong time does happen. But to not use good "Street Smarts" anywhere than perhaps planet earth is not the best place to live.

atz111
  8/29/2015 08:56 EST

Most of the comments on here about that (and many other things) are just nonsense. Bunch of old farts just blowing smoke as they routinely do about most things on here...check the threads...same three /four guys who comment on everything..with a lot of wrong stuff mixed in with the "advice" (some of it good). After all, no fun to just say it's OK and they have pretty much nothing else to do...they are known as the no-life posters club.....we have a special side forum that is studying them (and other posters on expat forums) as a project on expat forum post reality vs the real thing. I'll send you the link if you want.


Yes you do have to exercise caution,,,as you do everywhere. And take some special ones as well in some places. But assuming you live in a decent part of a town...Granada, Leon, SJDS, Jinotepe and many others you can do so without living in a fort. i have been here six years and live in a regular house in town...none of this happens to me and I have no gun, no house guard, no concertina wire and no vicious dog. Nothing like any of this happens on my block, so there are 30 families who live pretty normal lives...three gringos and the rest Nicas.


Stand by for the deluge of hate mail post from the big four of bad advice...i am not getting into it with them. They are not worth wasting time ...some of is have a life beyond trying to inflate our as posters.

carroll6
  8/29/2015 09:29 EST

Nice post Rick. I live in Kansas City, MO and this zip code is one of the ones that are part of what police call.. "the Murder factory." There's been 12 shootings in 2 square miles in the past two weeks. I just live in a apartment, and I have a DVR cam system. I sleep with a pistol under my bed.

ricktee
  8/29/2015 10:06 EST

Don´t let the Blowhards scare you bgirl. Things are no worse here than than in FL. The crime rate here is about the same as any city. The violence is a lot less than the states. Most people here are friendly, more so if you speak Spanish. Food available here is mostly locally grown and American food is available in local super markets in the towns you spoke of. HTH

elduendegrande
  8/29/2015 12:10 EST

Not worse the FL isn't a great recommendation, but again, much varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. If anyone has doubts, just look how the well-to.do Nicas live. You 3 dogs will be happy here.

bluewind
  8/29/2015 16:02 EST

The biggest concern I would have is no longer the crime in LA. The increase in crime in the USA pretty much took care of that. What would bother me now more than crime is how the legal system seems to treat expats. I have read many sad stories how an expat will defend themselves, only to end up in jail. Some of them having to pay huge sums of money to get out. As bad as the states have become, if you can prove you were defending yourself, you stand a chance of being treated fairly. Any thoughts on this?

elduendegrande
  8/29/2015 16:38 EST

the vast majority of long-term residents never have a problem of being on the wrong side of criminal law, other than being an occasional victim. Avoid problems and problem people. If you do not do stupid things and do not have a business, you are at very low risk of attack. If you have a business your security should be built into the business.

if you have to use deadly force, do it sufficiently to stop the attacker, shut your mouth, and be the first to call the police and ambulance. You may or may not be treated fairly by the legal system, but if your life was in danger you just have to take that chance. Being a respected long-term resident will help a lot.

In reality, your real threat may be extra-legal--the perp's friends, family, gang members. Avoid risky behaviors and don't find out.

novato1953
  8/29/2015 16:40 EST

bluewind makes a good point. Criminal law in much of Latin America assumes anybody who gets arrested is guilty. You have to prove otherwise, usually while you're locked up. The really dangerous people you meet in Nicaragua may well be fellow inmates, even among the Canadians. Don't get any tattoos in there; a nexus of transmission for Hepatitis C. But chances are you will have a heck of a story, even if it turns out you're only able to tell it to stuffed animals and professional therapists.

bluewind
  8/29/2015 17:42 EST

good advice.

KeyWestPirate
  8/29/2015 18:04 EST

I agree that the justice system is very different, and the opportunity to extort money, or take your property definitely exists. There are some rogues out there.

However, following the high profile cases over the years, there is always something NOT right about the people who wind up in jail.

Things work differently here. Let me give you a personal example: I had a maid I finally had to fire because her theft was no longer acceptable. She was a great maid, supported 3 well-behaved kids from my money. I gave her a lot of stuff too, left over food, clothing for the kids, her one-yar old called me Papi, and found extra paid work when ever I could.

When she left she sued me, made some outrageous allegations, mostly about working at times she did not, "I worked every Sunday on his farm". Nobody works Sundays on my farm. And everybody know that.

The case went to trial in Estelí, the young lady got her husband, her sister, and the sister's husband to lie for her.

The witness in Nicaragua sits directly in front of the judge, about six feet separates them. The judge clearly did not believe her or her witnesses. She THEN made a big mistake, out of the blue claimed that one of the signatures on her receipts for pay was forged. During the trial.

The judge started paging back and forth through the receipts, asked twice, "which one" in puzzlement as the signatures were all identical.

Finally, the judge said, "we'll have to send this off to the crime lab in Managua for analysis".

I then hired another lawyer in Estelí to petition for a new trial, laying out facts that we couldn't really bring out in court (for example, accusing her witnesses of lying like rugs).

I never accused her of stealing, just that I had to let her go. I felt that this would be more damaging to me, and really was not relevant to her claims anyway. There was nothing to gain, and she was a nice person. I suspect her husband, a drunk and vago, put her up to the thefts. It was common knowledge in Condega that he beat her when he was drunk.

The Estelí told me honestly, "we don't have a snowball's chance of getting a new trial," but he knew the judge, and this allowed him to present the petition to her, and in the petition also present my bonafides, and verbally fill her in as to what REALLY happened.

Totally out of line in the US, this type of contact,, but common here, and I think probably also happens in criminal trials.

That was June 1. The judge was supposed to render a verdict in two weeks. I'm writing this Aug 29. The maid's lawyer was going to be paid out the judgement. He's pissed. It was all pretty small potatoes, they were stretching for C$36,000.

My lawyer said they MIGHT at the best get half of that, considering I was a Gringo, woman had three kids, etc.

So, I don't know where the file is. It's probably in the judge's desk drawer, or maybe the handwriting analysis is still in Managua. I'm not going to go looking for it :)

What I do know, is the plaintiff's lawyer is not speaking to Nuria; he's not seen a penny of his money. She calls MY lawyer asking for an update. Her parents kicked her out of the house. The remote campo community she came from heard about her lies and shuns her.

I spent about C$10,000 on the two lawyers, and It would have been better to just give that money to Nuria. It would have satisfied her. Petty theft in Nicaragua is so common that you can't let it color your judgement.

On the other hand, if you are sleeping with little girls, all of this "justice" will work against you. Everybody in Nicaragua knows your business, and not just because you are a Gringo.

That is the way it is in Nicaragua.

KeyWestPirate
  8/29/2015 18:15 EST

Insanity is relative. Just the fact that you are considering moving to Nicaragua questions your sanity.

Seriously, I love it here. Every day is an adventure. We tend to highlight the problems on the site, and not the pluses of living here. There are other sites too.

I hope you consider driving down (fly first, the drive down with your stuff).

bluewind
  8/29/2015 18:27 EST

I met a guy that lives in Panama a couple of years ago. He said that sometimes he had to deal with drunks, etc., that wonder on his property, but no big deal. But he said that if he ever and to shoot someone, he would take the body and drag it to the street so he wouldn't be accused. Interesting guy.

bgirl
  8/29/2015 18:30 EST

I'm so confused hahahaha

bgirl
  8/29/2015 18:31 EST

I'm so confused hahahaha

novato1953
  8/29/2015 22:07 EST

Stop and catch your breath

JohnSS
  8/30/2015 04:43 EST

The bottom line is simple. Listen to those who warn you and then tell you how to protect yourself and you usually will be OK.

Ignore the most dangerous advice of all from morons who say crime in Nicaragua is no worse than ............Usually not true & it's meaningless anyhow.

If you act like you did back home you will be robbed. Use your smart phone to text or anything else at a bus stop in Managua (plus many other cities) & it's gone. Same for leaving it on a table in an open air restaurant or carrying it n your shirt pocket.

For your local area learn where, when, and what is safe to be & do & what is not.

There are iron bars on windows & doors in the most crime ridden slums in the US and there is a reason for that.
There are iron bars on windows & doors in Nicaragua and there is the same reason for that.

I have been hit too many times to count. Sometimes following all the right advice is a PIA so I pay the crime tax instead.

prpcof
  8/30/2015 14:05 EST

My 2 bits. First like you are doing read this blog and stay with it. Their are a bunch of interesting characters on it that have fun shooting at each other. If you listen (read) you will see that they have a lot to offer. Most of them what to help even with the gun slinging they can.

I am in the process of building and moving to Nicaragua. (a long story for another day) I live in a small town in Oregon. 2 acres just out side of town. Small supposedly safe. We do not have a sheriff who feels he has a need to visit sense he might have to get off his ass. I have 5 guns and 2 dogs still do not feel safe. In Oregon they have the "stand your ground law" which pretty much says if he s facing you on your property and you shoot him he will walk. It happened twice in 2 years in Merlin Oregon where I live. the same man who shot his neighbor got away with it. Then shot his new neighbor killed him also. He was convicted of that one. I gave the name of the town because it was a good story and you can find it in newspapers from Grants Pass and Medford Oregon. Because of the poor policing there are many transients who aggressively beg at every corner doing the day when they are not trying to steal your property. At night if they get the chance the will rob you then beat the hell out of you. That is not big news here because most like me carry and that gives us a little protection. This is small town America. Like I said take care to listen to the's guys, again with a grain of salt. Use common sense. You will find that Nicaragua will look better and better. Something bad is happening In America I am more afraid of staying here than moving to Nicaragua.

prpcof
  8/30/2015 14:13 EST

Note: The 2 men were unarmed. Most Nicas are try to sell you something while the bums here offer nothing.

bgirl
  8/31/2015 02:39 EST

Trust me I know the feeling. I live in Ormond/Daytona where everyone has an angle and they will rob you blind of anything and everything. They will steal the damn sticker off your license plate while you're at the grocery store.... last year I had a large amount of jewelry stolen and the idiot got off because the States Attorney doesn't know how to do their job ....you call the police here and they are always for the criminal. They actually act like you've done something wrong. ...the bums have taken over our beaches. I have 3 dogs keep everything dead bolted flood lights on all night long ...I never feel safe in my home. I was just shocked at some of the stories in the beginning. It's sad that the world has become so ridiculous I guess...but no I have no desire to stay in the United States of Assholes. I'm just debating on Panama, Mexico or .....

KeyWestPirate
  8/31/2015 08:52 EST

One of the first things you have to get past is the "Noble Savage" BS.

The Indians would steal anything that wasn't nailed down, and constantly warred among themselves.

Most of the people I deal with in Nicaragua are honest -to a point.
Some are very honest. Some police are very helpful, friendly, courteous.

Like in this country, it's the drunks and vagos you have to watch for. In this country you can live -if you have the resources- where the problem is minimal.

One of the posters lives on a street in Managua where there is not crime. I believe this. Someone else of influence lives on the street and the vagos know that they will be beat to within an inch of their life if they bother this individual.

Drugs are much less of a problem here than in the US. There is no special entitlement for a group to riot, rob, loot, and murder, as we are starting to see in the US.

Precautions to protect your property and well-being are more important here. Police will not respond quickly in most instances. The ability to investigate a crime is minimal.

You have to do your homework here,, either renting or buying.

On the other hand, stringing concertina wire, ugly as it is, is cheap and is a pretty good deterrent. So is an alarm.

I like living here, have had minimal problems. Small problems can be big though: I lost my front license plate, some vago ripped it out of the plastic bumper. Enough license plates and he can buy a pint of guaro.

For me, it was a serious aggravation. Without a front license plate and your white face you will be stopped at every Transito checkpoint (UUMMM, toña, rosti pollo). Easy money.

Arizona only has one plate, so I had to buy commemrative plates for the truck I'm bringing down next week or I would be stopped constantly.

You see a lot of rag tag vehicles in Nicaragua with not plates and they don't get stopped, but rag tag and brown face means no money for a bribe, so Transito doesn't bother.

prpcof
  8/31/2015 15:00 EST

Hi bgirl,
I did a lot of reading before deciding on Nicaragua. My first choice was Lake Chapala Mexico. The first ding was it was made up of 2 small towns with 20.000 expats. (gringos) Could live in Miami for that experience. second ding Mexico is a country with many states. Some that adhere to no government. when you travel you never know the danger level your in.

Second choice was Ecuador. Which I would still consider if the distance was not so far. It is a beautiful country with a stable government. Sure it has its problems to. For me it was the distance from my family. Panama was next. Safe because of the canal. To hot and not a lot of places to avoid it. Does have a great pension program. I still love my country. I actually had the best of it. The changes coming are not going to be fun. I am to old to participate in the change. So here I am trying to build my oceanfront home. that I consider my last adventure. It has really turned into one!

bgirl
  9/2/2015 17:26 EST

I have no desire to stick around in what I now call the United States of A**holes.....the changes that have already happened and whatever else we're in store for is nothing I want to see or plan to be a part of. This is no great nation. It's a failed business with a bunch of crooks at the helm ....That's not changing ANYTIME soon.
Panama was my very first choice until I realized it's just a mini-America and they have bent over and did whatever Uncle Sam said, changed all their banking laws and since they use the US dollar they have all the same financial woes we do....It's actually becoming more expensive to live there than in the states. The greed factor is definitely the big game in town now and Gringos will always pay double what a Panamanian does and will never be truly excepted so I had to ask myself what the hell would I want to move there for lol.....
I'm looking at places like Campeche, Chuburna, Mahahual, Xcalak Mexico ...and now Granada and SanJuan Del Sur ....of course everyone has their own opinions. I was talking to someone on craigslist today and they said anything around the Lake is really dirty and full of crime and that's why I was interested in Granada - Lake Nicaragua ...lol

atz111
  9/2/2015 17:39 EST

You may not like this, but it is something to factor into your thinking as a move to another country is a big thing.

In my experience in 6 years living in Nicaragua and about a year in Europe as an Expat, i invariable find that people who are running away from a place that is so, so bad and hate that place, rather than moving to a place they want to live...for any number of reasons, from adventure, to COL, whatever...have a bad time of it in their chosen country. They soon bitch and moan about it as well.....or they take the other path and defend things in the new place as "better than", even though that is obviously not the case.

All the places you mention are OK..some even very good...but all have their share of what you hat now...maybe-so.

A lot of people who talk like you...not saying you specifically....are generally losers back home and they think moving will fix it all.. It does not,

Good luck.

majicjack
  9/2/2015 18:42 EST

I have worked all over the world : China, Africa, Middle East, Australia, Europe, South America, Canada, Mexico and the United States. Some of the places I have worked have been real s--t holes but you make the most of what you have. The world was not tailored to fit our needs. This we have to do for ourselves. If you are looking for paradise, that place doesn't exist. As far as being gouged by the natives, this can only happen if you let it. If you are leaving the United States because you are not happy with the conditions there you are definitely in for a big surprise when you hit Central or South America. It is all attitude and you either accept it or move on.

bluewind
  9/2/2015 18:48 EST

atz111
You make some very good points. But for better or worse, I think most people leave where they are living because they are not happy with living there.
For me, I can be comfortable living in a place that has moderate crime, but where the people in that community are friendly and welcoming. I think I can accept almost anything as long as I can walk out my door and see smiling faces and the occasional how ya doing, and that is getting harder to find, whether in the states or abroad. Frankly, what I've experienced in most of my visits to LA isn't much different than what I find in the states, but I'm still looking. Hoping to visit Colombia soon. We'll see.

atz111
  9/2/2015 19:13 EST

bluwind...ok I'll split the difference with you..how about they leave because they feel they will be happier where they are going to...that does non necessarily mean unhappiness with where they are...happiness is relative. Also, it is important what they think they will be happier about.....leaving the cold weather or want to live cheaper or simpler is a lot different than "everybody in the USA s a asshole , bla, bla , boa". What took me bout here rant was that then it was Panama, and then someplace else...so we got a world of assholes, and i'm going to find a place where they ain't. Oh yeah...no politics in Nica to worry about..HA. Point is you got the right attitude...break it down into local stuff and what impacts you...like people who greet you warmly or would lend a hand if needed.

bluewind
  9/2/2015 19:35 EST

atz111
Once again, you are absolutely right. If someone keeps complaining about every place they travel to, their probably not going to be happy anywhere.
If I do take the plunge and move to another country, the lower cost of living would definitely be an advantage, but living somewhere where people are genuine and just decent people is priceless.

prpcof
  9/2/2015 21:28 EST

How come you guys seem so sensible. I might miss the gun slinging "not really" . I have always looked at my life as a adventure. Done many and tried many things. Their is a way of life that likes challenges and differences. Heven does not appeal to me. If you cannot see the benefits of hard work. Cannot lose to the point that you cannot know what it is to win. Feel pain so that when you have pleasure you will know the difference. Jump in woman, give happy as long as you can. you will receive it back. The differences are the adventure. Without adventure their is no life.

KeyWestPirate
  9/2/2015 22:49 EST

Xcalak is very nice, but totally remote. Six miles to Belize, but nowhere you can cross legally.

Dirt road, no bus when I was there, ,,, taxi north, and then a bus to Cancun. Town was blown out by a hurricane several years back,, ocean front lots for $20K..

Not too much to do,, actually hardly anything to do,, one really good restaurant run by a lesbian couple. Seasonal expat crowd, large handful live there year-round.

Pretty reef protected bay.

bgirl
  9/3/2015 01:51 EST

Unfortunately that really nice restaurant closed run by the lesbian couple in Xcalax ....and to anyone thinking I was complaing about everywhere ....well you don't know me. I'm the type of person that can get along with everyone as long as youre not a lying cheating POS trying to rip me off. I just want t go some place where people are friendly and excepting.....the more research I did abotu Panama it became apparent they are just a mini america with all our problems but without any of the luxury so what would be the point....

I've found many other places I think sound wonderful. I just have to pick one and find a way to get me and my 3 dogs there. I want something new, I'm open minded, and want to try new things and experience new cultures, meet new people...

That was a pretty shi**y comment about people being loosers but everyone has an opinion....kinda like a**holes

majicjack
  9/3/2015 11:30 EST

After six years of living and traveling all over the country of Nicaragua and prior to that working in many places I think Nicaragua is a good place. Of losers and A--holes you find them every place you go. From what I understand you are not required to associate with them. Our first year we lived in Vera Cruz but not on the real beaten path. I have seen less security than what this house had. 12 Ft high walls with 2 strands of razor wire on top. We lived there for a year and our neighbors were friendly but too busy to really get acquainted. We then spent 5 years living in Poneloya. I am a mountain type person but my wife wanted to live on the beach. Here we met a little different type people and they were friendly. Any place you go in Nicaragua you will meet people that have the rich gringo attitude and lets get some of it. You are the one in charge of this and can stop it before it ever gets started. No is the same in English and Spanish. If you gave money to every beggar on the street or that knocked on your gate you would be broke before the sun went down. We now live tucked away in the mountains in Quilali, Nueva Segovia. The people here are very different. Much friendlier, will try to gouge a little but when the find out you speak the language and this is not your first rodeo they back off. We loan a lawnmower to the baseball team to mow the field in the stadium. The members are always coming by the house to ask if they can help do something and not asking for pay. We believe in paying people that work but they wont accept it. In the stores we shop in here we even get discounts. We have a pretty nice three bedroom home, with a very large yard and it cost a whopping $150 a month plus utilities. Water C$ 100 cords a month and Elect $ 35.00 per month with large freezer, refrid. two TVs, two computers, and an electric water heater. We have Sky TV out of Mexico and the super package Is $ 72.00 per month. Claro 5 GB for internet for C$700 per month. Our maid works five days a week and her pay is C$ 3500 cords a month. We have a contract with Claro with our phones for $ 42.00 per month. Two for this price. We have a Ford F350 super duty 4X4 pickup and make a trip to Esteli once a month for banking and La Colonia supermarket to buy meat, can goods and paper products. The round trip takes about 6 hours and we use $60.00 worth of fuel. I also use the pickup for hauling the dredge. Total fuel $100 per month. We allow our selves a personal budget of $800. per month for what ever and hardly ever use that much. In Nicaland you could say we live first class for $1355.75 per month. We draw a certain amount out of our US accounts and deposit it in our Nica accounts because it draws better interest here. We have never lost a dime in the banks here and the people are friendly and courtious. We have a friend that wanted to buy a new car but could not because he did not have a cedula. We financed it for him through our bank account here and established credit. The car is in our name in name only because he paid for it. We then gave him power of attorney to do what ever he wants with the car. He got a car and we established credit other tan just a bank account.
I understand I am disclosing a lot of personal information but what a better way to let someone know what living in the country is all about. It is a peaceful country. The government of Nicaragua has very little reflection on your life here except maybe raising taxes which affects everyone. A little corruption for road side stops by the police and you pay C$ 100. A stop for the same thing in the USA would cost $200 to $400. If you come to Nicaragua with an open mind and no chip on your should and without the attitude that everyone is out to get you, It is a wonderful place to live. If you bring an attitude and the chip, you are not going to be happy regardless where you end up. And, Yes there are loser all over the world but you are the only one that can make yourself a loser.

atz111
  9/3/2015 12:09 EST

Very well put and a lot of good things to think about in that.

One more thing...If you ever do find a place where no one is ever crooked and they all smile at you all the time.....get the f..k out...quick, you have landed in a Stephen King time zone

glockdiver69
  9/3/2015 13:02 EST

This response is for Majic and KWP:

Majicjack, Another good and true article. I could not agree more. While nota true expat, I do get to our house 3-4 times per year (more each year I hope until full time) and I have what you state to be true. If you arrive in Nica (or anywhere) with an attitude, people will pick up on that and it will cloud your judgment of the country. If you are cool, non-judgmental and just roll with it (like my family has), one will find that for the most part, Nica's are warm and welcoming people that just want to live life. Yes there are @$$holes in Nica but can you name a place that does not?

As for KWP's interpretation of Panama being just like the US, that is not what I see. Maybe in Panama City, but PC is not indicative of the entire country. What areas are you talking about? We just got back from Panama and it was lovely, people were friendly and the infrastructure in good repair.

As usual, I love reading all of your posts.

Hasta Pronto.

glockdiver69
  9/3/2015 13:03 EST

I am sorry KWP. I meant to respond to bgirl regarding Panama. My bad!

waltermboyles
  9/3/2015 13:23 EST

Thanks for sharing a lot. We have been in Jinotepe only 3 months, & you have given us a good check on reality. Hopefully we can return the favor...or pay it forward.
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